A special holiday edition of events, festivals, and shows going on in and around Waynesville, NC for December 2019. Don’t forget to check out all of our event schedules!
Hart Theatre Shows for December 2019
Holly Jolly Christmas
Month Long Holiday Events Near Waynesville, NC
Opening on December 8 with caroling, Santa, and hot chocolate, this holiday event features the illumination of the historic Victorian farmhouse as well as walk through the “Tinsel Trail.” The trail features trees decorated by local Waynesville businesses and organizations. Open nightly until 9pm through January 4th, admission is free but donations are welcome.
This fundraising event in Asheville, NC is a family friendly must for the holidays. Walk the grounds of the arboretum while they are lit with over half a million lights. There are free crafts, a model train exhibit and interactive games. Reserve tickets online in advance for $10-$25.
Daytime visitors can enjoy the elaborately decorated Biltmore House along with the current Downtown Abbey exhibit while nighttime visitors can take the Candlelit Christmas Evening tour. Tours must be reserved in advance and start at $49 for a youth ticket and $89 for adult tickets.
National Gingerbread House Competition at Omni Grove Park
Although judging for the competition takes place in November, the gingerbread house remain on display for the general public through the beginning of January. The display is open for viewing on Sundays after 3pm and Monday through Thursday anytime, excluding some holiday dates. There is no entry fee but there is a $25 parking fee for standard cars.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Themed “Christmas Past and Present,” this parade marches down charming Main Street in Sylva. The afternoon parade starts at 3pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the many shops, restaurants, and breweries that Sylva has to offer.
Location: Main Street, Sylva NC
Cost: Free to attend
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range, kicks off their 2019 Art of Music Festival at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. Enjoy BBQ, beer, and bluegrass during the start to this weekend festival. Weekend concerts will also take place at Lake Junaluska.
Location: Folkmoot Center, Waynesville NC
Cost: $25 in advance, $28 at the door
Friday and Saturday, December 6-7 and 13-14, 2019
Dillsboro Festival of Lights and Luminaries
Enjoy small town charm at its finest with over 2000 luminaries lighting your way down Dillsboro’s picturesque Main Street. Highlights include hot chocolate, cider, and other holiday treats from shopkeepers, caroling, a horse drawn carriage ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live nativity scene.
Location: Dillsboro, NC
Cost: Free to attend
Friday, December 6, 2019
Waynesville Christmas Tree Lighting
The third annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony kicks of a weekend of “Holly Days” that ends witht he Christmas Parade on Monday.
Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, and candy canes and then meander down Main street for the final Art After Dark of the year.
Location: Oak Park Inn, Waynesville NC
Cost : Free to attend
Saturday, December 7, 2019
The Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies
Bryson City’s Christmas parade is filled with the staples: classic cars, firetrucks, beauty queens, and, of course, Santa. Get there early to have breakfast with Santa at the $5 pancake breakfast starting at 8am, participate in the cookie walk at and Christmas Bazzar starting at 9am, and finally enjoy the parade at 2pm.
Location: Bryson City, NC
Cost: Free to attend
Monday, December 9, 2019
The annual Christmas parade is the largest in the area and ends with Jolly Saint Nick. The parade runs the length of Main Street and starts at 6pm. Many local businesses on Main street will remain open and several will have various holiday items like hot chocolate for sale.
Location: Main Street, Waynesville NC
Cost: Free to attend
Saturday, December 14, 2019
This annual Waynesville, NC holiday event is always held the second Saturday in December. It features caroling, live music, treats provided by various Main Street vendors, a horse drawn carriage ride, a wandering Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an elaborate live nativity scene with interactive demos of historic food and crafts.
Location: Main Street, Waynesville NC
Cost: Free to attend
Saturday, December 21, 2019
This old fashioned Christmas festival is full of music, holiday crafts, hot cider, and crafts. Observe volunteers making traditional crafts and learn about a traditional Appalachian Christmas. The event runs from 10 am-2pm with a music jam from 1pm-3pm at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee.
Location: Oconaluftee Visitors Center and Mountain Farm, GSMNP, Cherokee NC
Cost: Free to attend
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Christmas at the Red Leaf River Inn
Join our family in celebrating Christmas during our favorite holiday events in Waynesville, NC. We do accept bookings all through Christmas and will have a special breakfast buffet set up for the morning and invite our guests to join us for our Christmas Supper as well!
Location: Red Leaf River Inn, Waynesville NC
Cost: Included with your reservation
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Boojum’s Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party
Enjoy fabulous themed drink specials, a New Year’s Eve backdrop for pictures, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dressing up is encouraged but not required.
Location: The Gem, Waynesville NC
Cost: Free to attend, cash bar
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Elevated Mountain’s Shinin’ New Year’s Eve Party
The Elevated Mountain Distillery in Maggie Valley will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party with live music and food catered by Appalachian Smoke. Fireworks go off at 11pm.
Location: Elevated Mountain Distillery, Maggie Valley NC
Cost: TBD
As always, check with the event coordinators to confirm days, times, and cost. Enjoy your Smoky Mountain getaway!
